Thinking of Keeping an Axolotl? Know This First
Axolotls are cute, but they need cold water, the right tank, and years of commitment. Here’s the checklist.
After meeting Pumi, you might want a real axolotl. That’s great, as long as you know what they need first. Axolotls aren’t a “put it in a jar and done” pet.
1. The water must be cold
This is the biggest challenge, especially in tropical countries. Axolotls are most comfortable around 16–18 °C. Above about 24 °C, they get stressed and sick easily. Many keepers in hot places use an aquarium chiller, cooling fans, or keep the tank in an air-conditioned room.
2. A roomy tank
One adult axolotl needs a tank of about 75 liters or more. The water must be clean and already cycled (with good bacteria established in the filter) before the axolotl moves in.
3. Avoid small gravel
Axolotls eat by suction, so small gravel can get swallowed and block their gut. Choose a bare bottom, very fine sand, or stones much bigger than their head.
4. Gentle flow and hiding spots
They don’t like strong currents. Use a filter with gentle flow, and provide caves or plants to hide in, since axolotls dislike bright light.
5. Best without fish tankmates
Fish may nip axolotl gills, and axolotls may try to eat small fish. The safest choice is keeping axolotls without fish.
6. The right food
Earthworms, axolotl pellets, or suitable frozen food. Avoid overfeeding, and remove leftovers so the water stays clean.
7. A long-term commitment
Axolotls can live 10–15 years. Make sure you’re ready to care for one that long, and check your local rules about keeping them.
Buy from responsible breeders, and never release an axolotl into the wild. If you’re not ready yet, collecting Pumi stickers is totally fine too. I don’t need a chiller! 😄
Have a suggestion or critique for Pumiland?